Spicy and Refreshing Buchu Salad (Korean Chive Salad)
Today’s Side Dish: Delicious Buchu Salad
Buchu salad, typically enjoyed as a palate cleanser with rich, grilled meats, is taking center stage as a side dish today! Its vibrant flavor and crisp texture make it a perfect accompaniment to any meal. This recipe offers a simple way to highlight the fresh, fragrant taste of Korean chives.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch fresh Korean chives (Buchu)
- 1/4 carrot
- 2 Cheongyang peppers (or jalapeños)
Dressing Ingredients- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- A pinch of ginger extract or minced ginger (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1.5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- A pinch of ginger extract or minced ginger (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the Korean chives thoroughly under running water, paying special attention to the roots to remove any dirt or debris. Gently shake off excess water. Cut the chives into approximately 3cm (about 1.2 inches) lengths. If the stems are particularly thick, consider slicing them in half lengthwise for better seasoning absorption.
Step 2
Peel the carrot and julienne it into thin strips. For the Cheongyang peppers, remove the stems and shake out the seeds. Slice them into lengths similar to the julienned carrots. If you prefer a spicier salad, you can leave some or all of the seeds in.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the prepared Korean chives, julienned carrots, and sliced peppers. Add all the dressing ingredients: fish sauce, minced garlic, gochugaru, plum extract, and ginger extract (if using). Now for the crucial step: to preserve the chives’ crispness, toss everything very gently. Imagine you’re handling something delicate, like a baby! Avoid aggressive mixing or kneading, as this can diminish the chives’ fresh aroma and create a raw ‘green’ taste. The key is to lightly combine the ingredients until the dressing is evenly distributed.
Step 4
Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for an added nutty flavor and aroma. This salad is delicious served immediately, but allowing it to rest in the refrigerator for a short while will let the flavors meld beautifully. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful Buchu salad!
